Single Crochet Thermal Stitch

We've been threatened with a snowstorm several times in Virginia this winter, but none of the threats amounted to much until last night. It appears we've finally gotten a decent snow, and all the schools have been cancelled, so today we'll be cuddling up and crocheting something warm.

But what would be the warmest crochet stitch? Crochet is infamous for having gaps in the stitches that let heat escape and cold air in (although linked stitches can help solve this problem). However, there is one little known stitch that I believe to be warmer, and that is the thermal stitch. What sets this stitch apart is it creates tiny little pockets in the crochet fabric that trap warmth in, much like athletic thermal wear would do.

The single crochet thermal stitch is not much different than a regular single crochet; you are simply working in different loops than you normally would. I also recommend using a much larger hook than you normally would, as thermal stitch produces a very tightly woven fabric that could potentially be rather stiff if you use a small hook. In our photos, we paired an N hook with sport weight yarn.

Here's how to do the thermal single crochet (abbreviated tsc). We'll begin with the written instructions, followed by a photo tutorial on how to do the actual stitch.

The thing that makes a thermal single crochet stitch different from a regular single crochet is the loops that you work into. When you start Row 3 of your project, you'll see the unused back loops of Row 1. You'll be working through those loops and the front loop of Row 2.

1. Begin the tsc by inserting your crochet hook in the next unused back loop...

2. ...then insert it in the front loop above it.

3. Yarn-over and pull through 2 loops on the hook.

4. Yarn-over and pull through 2 loops again, and you have completed your first tsc.

Repeat steps 1-4 for each stitch across the row.

Modified Thermal Single Crochet

Now you'll notice that the instructions for the last row mention a modified tsc. While modifying the tsc is not necessary for the last row, it will prevent you from having a line of unused back loops at the end of the project. The only difference between a regular tsc and a modified tsc is how you begin the stitch.

1. Begin by inserting your crochet hook in the unused back loop as usual, but then insert the hook in both loops of the stitch above it (instead of the front loop only).

2. Yarn-over and pull through 3 loops on the hook.

3. Yarn-over and pull through the remaining 2 loops to complete the modified thermal stitch.

Now then, if you're thinking about what projects to use this stitch for, be sure to tune in next week! We'll be publishing an outdoor accessories pattern you won't want to miss. All of them will feature this stitch for the ultimate cold weather comfort.